It is hard to know how common the disorder is. This isbecause many of the qualitiesfor diagnosis, such as "defiance" and "rule breaking,"are hard to define. For a diagnosis of conduct disorder, the behavior must be muchmore extreme than is socially acceptable.

These children often make no effort to hide their aggressive behaviors. They may have a hard time making real friends.

Exams and Tests

There is no real test for diagnosing conduct disorder. The diagnosis is made when a child or adolescent has a history of conduct disorder behaviors.

A physical examination and blood tests can help rule out medical conditions that are similar to conduct disorder. In rare cases, a brain scan helps rule out other disorders.

Treatment

For treatment to be successful,it mustbe started early. The child's family also needs to be involved. Parents can learn techniques to help manage their child's problem behavior.

In cases of abuse, the child may need to be removed from the family and placed in a less chaotic home. Treatment with medicines or talk therapy may be used for depression and attention-deficit disorder.

Many "behavioral modification" schools, "wilderness programs," and "boot camps" are sold to parents as solutions for conduct disorder. There is no research to support these programs. Research doessuggest that treating children at home, along with their families, is more effective.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Children who are diagnosed and treated early usually overcome their behavioral problems.

Children who have severe or frequent symptoms and who are not able to complete treatment tend to have the poorest outlook.

Possible Complications

Children with conduct disorder may go on to develop personality disorders as adults, particularly antisocial personality disorder. As their behaviors worsen, these individuals may also develop problems withdrug abuseand the law.

Antisocial personality disorder

Antisocial personality disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the ...